Thousands of Central Coast residents are expected to observe a minute’s silence at 11 am on Friday, November 11, with services to take place all over the region in honour of Remembrance Day.
Doyalson-Wyee RSL sub-branch Vice-President, Bob Dokter, said Remembrance Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is one of the most important days on the commemorative calendar.
“It’s a day when we acknowledge those who died while serving in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” he said.
“Remembrance Day is held on November 11 each year; the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I.
“People in Australia, and many other countries, observe one minute’s silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month because that’s when the Armistice came into effect.
“It’s a time to honour our service personnel who died in service of Australia.”
The Doyalson-Wyee RSL Sub Branch will hold a Remembrance Day Commemorative Service commencing at 10.50am on November 11 at the Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club (Doylo).
Other services around the region to be held on November include: Toukley cenotaph at 10.45 am (also commemorating all who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq); The Entrance cenotaph at 11 am; Ourimbah-Lisarow Bowling Club at 10.30 am; the carpark at Club Wyong at 10.30 am for 10.45; and the Memorial Wall adjacent to The Davo at 10.55 am.
On the Peninsula, there will be services at the Vietnam Veterans’ memorial at Ettalong and at the Woy Woy cenotaph, both at 11 am.
The Navy Veterans’ Welfare Association of NSW will conduct a service on the lawn area adjacent to the Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club commencing at 10:30.
“It is my hope that as a community we can come together to reflect and remember those who have served in our defence forces and those who did not return,” spokesperson Roque Hammal said.
Terry Collins